The Nigerian Government has expressed concern over the increasing cases of killings and abductions of its citizens residing in some cities across South Africa.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, raised the concern during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Political Consultation with the South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, in Abuja.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigerians were deeply worried about the rising incidents of extrajudicial killings and the delays in court proceedings for murder suspects, many of whom, she noted, often disappear without trace after being granted bail.
She also highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria’s missions in Pretoria and Johannesburg in obtaining autopsy reports and updates from the South African Police on cases involving deceased or missing Nigerians.
The Minister said; “We have received several reports on the difficulties encountered by the Nigerian community in getting information on the whereabouts of abducted citizens, as well as delays in court cases involving alleged ill-treatment of Nigerians.”
The Minister, however, expressed optimism that the signing of the MoU on the Early Warning Mechanism would strengthen collaboration between both countries and help achieve lasting solutions to the concerns raised.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to expanding and consolidating its strategic partnership with South Africa.
In her response, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Thandi Moraka, promised that her government was doing its best to protect all foreign nationals residing in the country.
“I want to assure the people of Nigeria that the position championed by a group called Dudula-Dudula does not represent the policy of the South African government,” Ms Moraka said.
Ms. Moraka further stated that the issues raised were receiving attention under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, adding that efforts were being intensified to safeguard foreign nationals living legally in South Africa.
She reiterated that South Africa remains a welcoming nation and urged all immigrants to enter the country through legitimate means.